PRETORIA: President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa will not step down from office despite allegations of money-stolen from his farm, his spokesman said.
The row centered on allegations that he kept a large sum of money in his home and covered up his theft. A panel of legal experts has concluded that he has a case to answer.
President’s spokesperson
But a spokesman for Mr Ramaphosa suggested he would continue to fight and, rather than resign, seeking a second term as leader of his party, the African National Congress. Vincent Magwenya said, “President Ramaphosa is not resigning because of fake news, or he will run away.”
“Maybe it is for the long-term good and the sustainability of democracy, better than President Ramaphosa, that this false report will be challenged,” he added. The scandal erupted in June, when former South African spy chief Arthur Fraser has filed a complaint in police accusing the president of hiding $4 million (3.25 million) in cash at the Phala Phala game farm. with 2020. .
Mr Ramaphosa admitted that money was stolen, but said it was $580,000, not $4 million. The president said the $580,000 came from the sale of bison, but the committee, headed by a former judge, said they had “grave doubts” whether the sale took place.
The party’s findings have been handed over to parliament, which must consider them and decide on initiating impeachment proceedings. Mr Ramaphosa is also under pressure from his country’s opposition, as well as his opponents in the ruling ANC party, to step down.
He will meet senior ANC leaders on Sunday and Monday after not appearing at the first meeting. Mr Ramaphosa is rumored to have come to power promising to stamp out the corruption that plagued the country under his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.
Ramaphosa and the ANC leader through his former Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, accused of corruption. He denied the allegations.
